BioMedicine-Taiwan最新文献

{"title":"Decyl caffeate inhibits the proliferation of human triple negative breast cancer cells.","authors":"Che-Yi Chao, Woei-Cheang Shyu, Chih-Lung Lin, En-Pei Isabel Chiang, Yueh-Hsiung Kuo, Feng-Yao Tang","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1695","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1695","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Over recent decades, considerable attention has been directed toward the discovery of novel compounds capable of targeting survival-related signaling networks as therapeutic candidates for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Central to TNBC pathobiology are the Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling axes, both contribute to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Caffeic acid (CA), a naturally derived phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory activity, has previously been investigated for its anti-cancer potential.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>In the present study, we explored the therapeutic value of newly synthesized CA derivatives in TNBC models using both cellular and animal based systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The anti-tumor efficacy of these CA derivatives was examined through a series of functional assays, including cell proliferation, clonogenicity, cell cycle profiling, apoptosis quantification, ELISA, western blotting, and histopathological analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the tested derivatives, decyl caffeate (DC) demonstrated the most pronounced inhibitory effects on TNBC cell growth, significantly decreasing viability, colony formation, and enhancing cisplatin responsiveness (<i>P</i> < 0.05). DC induced G2/M phase arrest in MDA-MB-468 cells, accompanied by suppression of cyclin B1 and CDK1 expression. In addition, DC downregulated both total and phosphorylated c-Myc and reduced secretion of TGF-α, a key ligand for EGFR. Apoptotic responses were evident through upregulation of Bax, cleaved caspase3, and cleaved-PARP. Mechanistic analysis revealed that these effects were mediated via concurrent inactivation of the Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Oral administration of DC in a murine TNBC xenograft model significantly suppressed tumor growth <i>in vivo</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Altogether, these results highlight DC as a promising bioactive compound that targets essential oncogenic pathways in TNBC and support its potential for further preclinical development.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"16 1","pages":"31-40"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12962762/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A glimpse into the impact of physical activity on linear growth in children and adolescents through activity restrictions accompanying the COVID-19 outbreak.","authors":"Yi-Chun Lin, Wen-Ling Liao, Chung-Hsing Wang, Fuu-Jen Tsai","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1696","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1696","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Linear growth in children and adolescents, a key health indicator, is influenced by various factors, including physical activity (PA). The COVID-19 lockdown in Taiwan created a unique opportunity to examine the effect of PA restrictions on growth.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study was conducted at two hospitals in central Taiwan. The study included 72 children and adolescents (26 males, 46 females) who attended a growth clinic. Height and weight measurements were recorded in three stages: pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and post-lockdown. Growth rates were compared across stages using paired t-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average growth rate was lowest during lockdown (0.0181 cm/day) and highest pre-lockdown (0.0198 cm/day), although the difference was not statistically significant. In males, growth rates significantly increased post-lockdown compared to those during lockdown (p = 0.04), while no significant differences were observed in females across stages.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PA positively influences linear growth in children, with a more pronounced effect in boys. Lockdown restrictions led to reduced PA, particularly impacting boys' growth rates. These findings emphasize the importance of PA for healthy growth in children, especially under restrictive conditions, and suggest the need to further encourage active lifestyles among children, particularly girls.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"16 1","pages":"53-60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12962757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the capabilities of AI-based large language models (AI-LLMs) in interpreting histopathological slides and scientific figures: Performance evaluation study.","authors":"Khanisyah E Gumilar, Grace Ariani, Priangga A Wiratama, Rimbun, Tri H Yuliawati, Hong Chen, Ibrahim H Ibrahim, Cheng-Han Lin, Tai-Yu Hung, Dewanti Anggrahini, Arya S Rajanagara, Khaled E Omran, Zih-Ying Yu, Yu-Cheng Hsu, Erry G Dachlan, Jer-Yen Yang, Li-Na Liao, Ming Tan","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1698","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Integrating artificial intelligence-based large language models (AI-LLMs) into medical and other scientific domains is increasingly recognized as a tool to support complex tasks, such as interpreting histopathology slides and scientific figures. AI-LLMs can simplify these processes by providing clearer explanations. By improving accessibility and comprehension, AI-LLMs can significantly assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing and therapy determination. Students and the public also find it easier to understand complex scientific concepts and images.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explores the capability of AI-LLMs in interpreting histopathological slides and scientific images. This study aims to evaluate the performance of AI-LLMs in supporting diagnostics and improving comprehension in biomolecular sciences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was divided into two parts: interpreting histopathology slides and scientific figures. Twelve histopathology images and twelve scientific figures were tested on each of the three most frequently used chatbots (ChatGPT-4, Gemini Advanced, and Copilot). Responses from the chatbots were coded and blindly examined by expert raters using five parameters-relevance, clarity, depth, focus, and coherence-on a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ChatGPT-4 outperformed Gemini Advanced and Copilot in histopathology and scientific image interpretation (P < 0.001) with significantly higher scores across all parameters (relevance, clarity, depth, focus, and coherence). ChatGPT-4's superior performance may be due to its advanced algorithms, extensive training data, specialized modules, and user feedback.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ChatGPT-4 excels in interpreting histopathology and scientific images, which may lead to improving diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and reducing pathologists' workload. It also benefits education by enhancing students' understanding of complex images and promoting interactive learning. ChatGPT-4 shows a significant potential to improve patient care and enrich student learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"16 1","pages":"41-52"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12962759/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neurosurgical management of pineal lesions: Insights from a single-center study of 27 cases.","authors":"David Montesinos Contreras, Walter Stummer, Maryam Khaleghi Ghadiri","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1700","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pineal lesions are rare and surgically challenging due to their deep location, histological diversity, and potential malignancy. The complexity of the pineal region anatomy and the diverse pathological spectrum contribute to the lack of standardized treatment strategies, making appropriate management controversial.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with pineal tumors or cysts and to assess the impact of different surgical approaches, particularly the extent of resection, on progression-free survival.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of 27 patients treated for pineal tumors or cysts at our institution between 2010 and 2020. Data regarding clinical presentation, surgical technique, extent of resection, pathological diagnosis, and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. Surgical outcomes were compared between patients undergoing biopsy and those receiving varying degrees of tumor resection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our analyses suggest that total resection could be the most effective approach for reducing the risk of tumor recurrence. Furthermore, our findings indicate that histological subtype is a statistically significant predictor of progression-free survival in patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest that achieving a greater extent of resection, when safely feasible, may contribute to improved long-term outcomes. These results emphasize the need for larger, multicenter studies to further optimize treatment strategies for these complex lesions.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"16 1","pages":"61-68"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12962756/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased dairy product consumption is associated with shorter telomere length in buccal cells among normotensive adults.","authors":"Hsin-Hwa Tsai, Yang-Di Su, Zi-Lun Lai, Chia-Yu Lin, Shu-Fan Lin, Hsiu-Ching Hsu, Wen-Yuan Lin, Po-Ren Hsueh","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1692","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1692","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Telomere length (TL) is a biomarker of biological aging and a predictor of age-related diseases. Dietary patterns, including dairy consumption, may influence telomere dynamics, but the evidence remains limited, particularly in Asian populations. This study investigates the association between dairy consumption and relative telomere length (RTL) in Taiwanese adults, with results analyzed by hypertension status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 259 adults in Taipei, Taiwan. RTL was measured using quantitative PCR from buccal cells. Dietary intake was assessed through self-reported questionnaires, with a focus on dairy frequency and fat content. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between dairy intake and TL, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among normotensive individuals, higher frequency of dairy consumption was significantly associated with shorter RTL (β = -0.082, <i>p</i> < 0.01), particularly with low-fat and fat-free dairy products (β = -0.106, <i>p</i> < 0.01). No significant associations were observed in the hypertensive group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dairy intake, particularly of low-fat products, may contribute to telomere shortening in normotensive adults. This association was not evident in hypertensive individuals, possibly due to a ceiling effect of chronic inflammation. These findings highlight the need for individualized nutritional guidance in public health strategies targeting healthy aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"16 1","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12962758/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The integrative role of melatonin in psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of evidence from circadian biology, lifestyle medicine, and psychoneuroimmunology.","authors":"Ho Bao Chau Le, Kollawat Somsri, Thansita Bhunyakarnjanarat, Nattiya Hirankarn, Asada Leelahavanichkul","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1682","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1682","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is known for regulating circadian rhythms and has emerging therapeutic potential in psychiatric disorders. This systematic review examines evidence from clinical and preclinical studies to assess melatonin's efficacy in the following conditions: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Beyond its role in circadian regulation, melatonin exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, which intersect with nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). The review finds that melatonin improves sleep quality, restores circadian balance, and modulates stress-related neuroimmune pathways. It also supports neuroplasticity and reduces oxidative stress, contributing to resilience against psychosocial and environmental stressors. Lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene, enhance melatonin's effects, positioning it as a valuable component of multimodal treatment strategies. Within the PNI framework, melatonin facilitates communication between the nervous and immune systems, offering potential for targeted psychiatric interventions. This synthesis underscores melatonin's promise as a therapeutic and adjunctive strategy in personalized mental health care. Future research should prioritize rigorous clinical trials, biomarker-driven patient stratification, and integrative approaches combining melatonin with lifestyle interventions and digital health tools to optimize its therapeutic impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"15 4","pages":"4-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788878/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuroprotection of paeoniflorin as antidepressant candidate.","authors":"Yuh-Fung Chen, Yi-Jui Chen, Jai-Sing Yang, Min-Min Lee, Huei-Yann Tsai","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1680","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1680","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Depression is one of the common mental disorders worldwide, and currently used antidepressants have undesirable effects; therefore, the development of new antidepressants without side effects is urgently needed. Paeoniflorin (PF) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. NMDA receptors in the hippocampus play a vital role in the pathophysiology of depression. Due to the scarcity of reports on the neuroprotection of PF on NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in the hippocampus, the present study aims to investigate the effects of PF on NMDA-mediated EPSP and calcium influx in the hippocampus to evaluate the potential of PF as an antidepressant.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In order to investigate the effects of PF on the NMDA receptor in the hippocampus, the hippocampal slices, primary-cultured hippocampal neurons, and <i>in silico</i> molecular docking analysis of PF with the NMDA receptor were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PF (2 μM) significantly depressed the NMDA-mediated EPSPs, resulting in a 50 % inhibition. The intracellular calcium level in primary-cultured hippocampal neurons was 102.67 nM, and 520.36 nM after NMDA (125 μM) treatment. With NMDA and PF co-treatment, the calcium level was 204.58 μM, showing a 60.68 % decrease. After NMDA was co-treated with 1 μM ruthenium red (RuR), the calcium level increased (from 534.58 nM to 665.68 nM). Additionally, co-treatment with PF significantly decreased the calcium level (468.05 nM, representing a 29.50 % decrease). In the presence of NMDA and 1 μM ω-conotoxin MVIIC (ω-Cono) co-treatment, the calcium level was 496.29 nM. In the presence of NMDA, ω-Cono, and RuR, the calcium level was 568.5 nM. Additionally, NMDA, ω-Cono, RuR, and PF co-treatment significantly decreased the calcium level to 270.94 nM. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed a binding energy of -48.5188 kcal/mol for PF with the NMDA receptor.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PF binds to the NMDA receptor, exhibits neuroprotection, and contributes to its potential as an antidepressant.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"15 4","pages":"50-69"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tai Chi for cardiovascular wellness: Integrating an ancient practice into modern therapeutic approaches.","authors":"Chun-Han Cheng, Wen-Rui Hao, Huan-Yuan Chen, Po-Yuan Chen, Ju-Chi Liu, Tzu-Hurng Cheng","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1678","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art characterized by gentle, fluid movements and deep breathing, has gained increasing recognition for its cardiovascular health benefits. This study investigated the integration of Tai Chi into contemporary cardiovascular health practices, focusing on its physiological and psychological effects. The slow, controlled movements characteristic of Tai Chi contribute to enhanced cardiovascular fitness, decreased blood pressure, and improved vascular function, while simultaneously alleviating stress and fostering emotional well-being. Through a review of clinical studies and trials, this study underscores the efficacy of Tai Chi in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs and its accessibility as a community-based intervention. Additionally, this study addresses obstacles to widespread adoption, including cultural barriers and the lack of standardized training for instructors. By integrating traditional practices with contemporary medical approaches, Tai Chi is as a valuable complementary therapy for cardiovascular health. The paper presents future research directions and advocacy strategies aimed at promoting broader acceptance and implementation of Tai Chi in health-care settings. This review underscores the continued relevance of Tai Chi as an effective intervention for cardiovascular wellness in modern therapeutic contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"15 4","pages":"30-39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788880/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From rhythm to resilience: The interplay of circadian rhythm, melatonin, lifestyle, nutrition in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).","authors":"Chang Jane Pei-Chen, Su Kuan-Pin","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1691","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging evidence reveals that circadian rhythm, melatonin signaling, nutrition, and inflammation are intricately intertwined in shaping both mental and physical health. Circadian disruptions and lifestyle imbalances contribute to neuroinflammation, mood dysregulation, and cardiometabolic dysfunction, as seen in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder (MDD), metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. This special issue highlights interdisciplinary research that integrates circadian biology, nutrition, and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) toward personalized and preventive psychiatry. Featured studies explore circadian and melatonin mechanisms in ADHD and MDD, the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), the neuroprotective potentical of paeoniflorin, and the role of extracellular matrix gene variants in MDD vulnerability. Additionally, evidence supporting lifestyle-based interventions such as Tai Chi underscores the value of non-pharmacological mind-body approaches. Collectively, these studies illuminate a multidimensional model linking biological rhythm, nutrition, and inflammation to mental resilience and cardiovascular well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"15 4","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788877/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953945","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic variations in extracellular matrix degradation pathways linking to major depressive disorder: Evidence from a large-scale genetic association study.","authors":"Halliru Zailani, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Sheng-Che Lin, Jia-Hau Lee, Mei-Ling Li, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su","doi":"10.37796/2211-8039.1677","DOIUrl":"10.37796/2211-8039.1677","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation pathways has been increasingly implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD), yet its genetic basis remains unclear. This study investigated the relationship between ECM-related genetic polymorphisms and MDD susceptibility. In a case-control study, we analyzed 317 MDD patients and 1268 sexmatched controls from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB). Genomic DNA was analyzed using the Affymetrix TWB array, targeting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 140 ECM degradation genes (Reactome database). Full-model association tests identified significant SNPs, validated with 5000 max(T) permutations and adjusted via logistic regression for age, body mass index, education level, and marital status. We identified 12 SNPs across 10 ECMrelated genes significantly associated with MDD, including ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (<i>ADAM17</i>, rs55820761), brevican (<i>BCAN</i>, rs11264511), CD44 molecule (<i>CD44</i>, rs12270356), collagen type XVII alpha 1 chain (<i>COL17A1</i>; rs2282436 and rs10883962), collagen type III alpha 1 chain (<i>COL3A1</i>; rs16830979 and rs10883962), collagen type VI alpha 6 chain (<i>COL6A6</i>, rs16830219), cathepsin L (<i>CTSL</i>, rs2274611), Kallikrein-related peptidase 2 (<i>KLK2</i>, rs2664156), matrix metallopeptidase 11 (<i>MMP11</i>, rs738791), and nicastrin (<i>NCSTN</i>, rs3753391). This study provides the first genetic evidence linking ECM degradation pathways to MDD susceptibility, identifying novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and precision therapy. Further research and cross-population studies are needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":51650,"journal":{"name":"BioMedicine-Taiwan","volume":"15 4","pages":"70-78"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12788879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}